Celtic are currently in Portugal for a training camp, where they recently participated in a closed-door friendly match against the Portuguese side, Portimonense.
Notably, this is the first time the team has been in action following the return of Rodgers as manager, replacing Ange Postecoglou.
Both clubs opted for an information blackout, providing no updates or advertising related to the match. The match was set to commence at 5 pm UK time, but was delayed until 6 pm.
Despite the secrecy, a number of Celtic fans attempted to view the match before they were ultimately denied access.
Finally got a view ! Team looks like hart, Bernabie, Welsh, kuwasi, no idea who right back is , vata O’Reilly, Iwata, Turnbull, Forrest, oh pic.twitter.com/6hgB3ChG1H
— DMC (@davemc71) July 12, 2023
Images and video clips shared on social media depicted fans observing the game from behind a hedge and over a fence. Additionally, a live stream of the game appeared briefly, capturing the closed-door event as it unfolded.
Some felt the club should have allowed the small number of fans into the spectator’s area, but having made zero note of any opportunity to watch the game, they left fans on the outside.
A subsequent fixture against the same opposition is scheduled for the coming Saturday.
